By Gavin Barnes

Hootenanny is no stranger to attention - or success for that matter. The music venue/bar/pub/restaurant has been the recipient of a number of awards over the past several years including ‘Best Music Venue’ and the ‘Great British Pub Award’, to name a few.

These are titles that this South London establishment may well deserve and possibly look forward to repeating in the future.

Located in the Caribbean-dominated district of Brixton, Hootenanny hosts a variety of live bands from the reggae, indie, world and folk genres on an almost nightly basis. But not from a rickety little pub stage erected in the corner of the room, ohhh no.

Hootenanny occupies a large building that stands on the corner of Effra Road and Brixton Water Lane, housing a quality sound system and a stage that any band yet to find fame would be thrilled to play on.

Not to mention the fact that this place has adopted the monthly routine of hosting one of the coolest events to take place at any drinking establishment. This, of course, is none other than live band karaoke.

Embrace your inner rockstar

For those unaware, this is when you sign up to sing a song with an actual live band fronted by a host to help you through all the notes you can’t hit and melodies you can’t seem to remember. It’s amazing. And it takes place on the first Wednesday of every month.

Remember, if you plan on visiting Hootenanny, it is for over 21’s only and, regardless of age, ID is checked at the door. Also, you just may be frisked so mind what you leave in your pockets.

Other than that, it’s a great atmosphere inside - plenty of seating, four pool tables, several TVs and two large bars to keep the night flowing along smoothly. For the warmer months, there are picnic tables outside, which are great for enjoying those long summer nights.

If there is anything bad about this place, it’s having to walk 10 minutes from the Brixton tube station (we have to find something to complain about).